1 / 3
Description
NKISI
Polychrome Kongo nkisi nkonde statuette, with a double head of a dog and a crocodile.
20th century.
Length: 64 cm.
Heavy wood covered with a thick, crusty patina.
The body is massive. The animal appears menacing, in an attacking stance, its jaws slightly parted, ready to devour and tear apart its prey. The artistic synthesis of a crocodile’s jaws and a dog’s muzzle conveys an expression of energy and great power.
A red coating has been applied to the inside of the mouth. The white applied to the teeth makes them appear menacing, whilst the white of the eyes alludes to the power of vision into the invisible world.
The numerous spikes and pieces of iron embedded in the body, as well as the thick, crusty patina covering it, suggest the object’s various uses (activation).
Provenance:
Pierre Redouin Collection.
Description:
Should this Nkonde-type statuette—used in judicial proceedings to identify and punish witches—be seen as a sculptural fusion of the sniffer dog (identification of the witch) and the avenging crocodile (punishment of the witch)?
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
The Breath of the Spirits: The Collection of Pierre Redouin and Others
Auction location
Auction time
09/24/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like